Atlantic City and Annapolis
 

Fodorites:

This coming May, Hubby and I (late 50's)are planning a 10-12 day trip from Boston, driving to Atlantic City, staying for a couple of days at the Hilton, then on to Annapolis, staying at the Marriott Residence Inn as a home base to visit Baltimore and Washington DC area. We can spend up to 10 days. We are wondering if we should spend any time in Baltimore, or if we should simply do Washington DC. We realize there is tons to see, just trying to break up the trip a bit. Here is our possible itinerary:

Day 1 Travel
Day 2 and 3 Atlantic City
Dary 4 Annapolis
Day 5 - 10 Washington DC with a day spent in Baltimore
Day 6 and 7 Drive Back to Boston

Any thoughts or comments would be great. I have been looking at all the must sees in the Washington DC forums. Lots of great info there.

NannyJan

I recommend at least a day in Baltimore, to see the harbor area if nothing else. Every American should make a visit to Fort McHenry just for history's sake, to understand WHAT the Star Spangled Banner was all about and WHY it became so popular so fast.

Baltimore is a great place to spend a day. I think it's underrated as a tourist destination. The Inner Harbor has the National Aquarium, The Maryland Science Center, The American Visionary Arts Museum, and lots of shops and restaurants all with walking distance. The water taxi will take you from the Inner Harbor to Ft McHenry and Fells Points. If you have the time, you can even catch a baseball game at Camden Yards.

Definitely go to Baltimore's Little Italy and get some cannolis.

My comment is that you will certainly find out what it is like to be a D.C. area commuter as you travel 30 miles each way from Annapolis.

mrwunrfl has a good point. If your plans aren't set in stone already, it would make more sense to stay in Washington as a base to visit the other places.

If you do stay in Annapolis, the Historic Inns of Annapolis are very convenient. Avoid the Annapolis Inn. The staff is not very friendly and the accomodations are average.

Be sure to tour the Naval Academy while you are in Annapolis. A drive across the Bay is a neat experience even if you just turn around and come back (maybe you will do that enroute?). Very good seafood places in Kent Narrows and just beyond: Holly's (looks like a dive) and Annie's, both on the north side of the road. Someone help me with the name of the other good one that is on that highway, south side, the one with the collection of oyster plates. :-)

Staying closer to DC (if you plan to visit the city) is a good recommendation.